Everton bid a heartfelt goodbye to Goodison Park by securing a dominant 2-0 Premier League win over Southampton on Sunday afternoon, closing the chapter on an iconic era.
The Goodison atmosphere was absolutely electric as the farewell party began, and the Everton players responded in style, with Iliman Ndiaye firing the hosts into the lead after just six minutes, and the Toffees were not done there, as Beto was twice denied by offside calls before Ndiaye scored on the stroke of half-time to secure a first-half brace.
While David Moyes's men could not add to their tally in the final half of Premier League football at their home ground, the 2-0 victory is more than enough as Everton bid farewell in winning fashion and with a clean sheet in hand.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
After 133 years of rich history and 2791 fixtures, of which 633 have been in the Premier League, Everton bid an unforgettable farewell to the iconic Goodison Park with a historic 2-0 win that will be forever etched in Toffees folklore.
The victory was a much-needed home win for Everton, who have struggled at Goodison this season, ending a seven-game winless run across all competitions and marking just their fifth league home win — the lowest total in a season in club history.
However, Everton fans will not dwell on their struggles, as their Goodison farewell has been crowned by a perfect 2-0 victory, with the Toffees utterly dominating Southampton throughout.
EVERTON VS. SOUTHAMPTON HIGHLIGHTS
Iliman Ndiaye goal vs. Southampton (6th min, Everton 1-0 Southampton)
The perfect start! 🙌
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Iliman Ndiaye opens the scoring for the toffees
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Goodison's goodbye gets off to the best start possible!
Everton work the ball to Dwight McNeil outside the Southampton area, and Ndiaye picks up the pieces after a scuffle between Everton's number seven and the Southampton defenders.
Ndiaye races towards the Southampton goal, drives into the penalty area and powers a low effort into the bottom left corner, sending Goodison into raptures!
Iliman Ndiaye goal vs. Southampton (47th min, Everton 2-0 Southampton)
Iliman Ndiaye bags a brace for Everton 🎯
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Ndiaye at the double!
A nice piece of interplay sees Everton move possession to McNeil just outside the area, and the midfielder's attempted strike deflects into the path of Ndiaye inside the box.
Ndiaye once again claims the loose ball and looks to go around Aaron Ramsdale, luckily keeping control after a slight touch from the goalkeeper, and slots it into the empty net.
MAN OF THE MATCH - ILIMAN NDIAYE
© Imago
Ndiaye has written his name in Everton history books thanks to today's performance, scoring both goals as the Toffees marched to a commanding 2-0 victory in the final Goodison Park game.
That achievement alone cements his status as the man of the match, while one big chance created and one key pass added to a wonderful attacking performance from the number 10.
In truth, the entire Everton 11 could have been given the award, as the victory was all that mattered in their farewell to Goodison Park, and the Toffees certainly delivered.
EVERTON VS. SOUTHAMPTON MATCH STATS
Possession: Everton 50%-50% Southampton
Shots: Everton 13-6 Southampton
Shots on target: Everton 5-2 Southampton
Corners: Everton 4-5 Southampton
Fouls: Everton 6-10 Southampton
BEST STATS
Iliman Ndiaye's first half by numbers:
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) May 18, 2025
23/25 passes completed
5 touches in opp. box
3/4 duels won
3x possession won
2 tackles
2 shots
2 goals
1 chance created
Signing off at Goodison in style. ⚽️⚽️#EVESOU pic.twitter.com/E4Bq9dXE9z
WHAT NEXT?
Everton will certainly be in a celebratory mood after today's victory, but the Toffees will still be aiming to secure a 13th-placed finish with a win against Newcastle United in their last Premier League match of the season.
Meanwhile, already-relegated Southampton will look to end their campaign on a high as they head to the Emirates Stadium for a challenging final Premier League clash against Arsenal.
Ellis Stevens
